In addition to the zippy Portégé, Toshiba's also today announcing the Libretto W100. It's a full Windows dual-screen "ultra-mobile PC" that's not quite a tablet and not quite a netbook. In short: it's one curious little gadget.

The Libretto has the specs of a halfway decent ultraportable: a 1.2 GHz Pentium U5400 processor, 2GB DDR3 RAM, 62GB SSD, a USB port and a microSD slot. But that body isn't really like anything else, unfolding to reveal two 7-inch multitouch displays. The screens can either be used together or independently meaning one web page can span the whole device, or be sequestered on top while the bottom is filled with email, documents, or an on-screen keyboard.

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Speaking of which: the Libretto has fully six different keyboard options to choose from, including a split solution that looks far more comfortable to use than what's we've seen so far in tablets.

Before launch, we spent a lot of time thinking about how you might be able to type on the iPad,…
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So, it's neat! But what is it actually for? My first impression of the W100 is that it feels more like a proof of concept than an actual product, and the fact that it's only going to be released in "limited number" indicates that Toshiba might feel the same way. But even if it's just a curiosity, it's an admirable one. And one that might just hint at the future of mobile computing more than you'd expect.

Update: Pricing has been set at $1,100, which seems a little steep. That's probably more a function of the limited release than anything; if Toshiba ever ramps up production in a serious way, I'd be surprised if there weren't a significant price drop.

Toshiba Unveils New libretto Concept PC with Dual-Touch Screen
Design
Revealed as Part of Toshiba's 25th Anniversary of Laptop Innovation Milestone, libretto W100
Demonstrates Next-Gen Ultra-Mobile PC Design With Full Windows 7 Functionality
IRVINE, Calif. – June 21, 2010 – Embodying a quarter-century of innovation, Toshiba's Digital
Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today
announced the libretto® W100, a next-gen ultra-mobile concept PC. This limited-edition 25th
Anniversary device goes beyond slates, netbooks and smartphones to deliver something more:
a full Windows® 7 experience that can be enjoyed across two multi-touch touch screens.
"The libretto W100 continues the libretto brand's heritage of defying convention by packaging
a full Windows computing experience into highly compact ultra-mobile form factor," said Carl
Pinto, vice president of product development, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc.,
Digital Products Division. "This concept PC sets the pace for Toshiba's continued commitment
to innovation, demonstrating what's possible in the next generation of ultra-mobile PCs.
"We will issue a limited run of the libretto W100," continued Pinto. "We design our products
around the way people actually want to use them, so getting this concept PC out into the
hands of early technology adopters will allow us to gather invaluable feedback that we can
filter into future product developments."
Optimized for Versatility, Performance and Convenience
The libretto W100 is powered by Windows 7 Home Premium and comes equipped with an
Intel® Pentium® processor1, 2GB of fast DDR3 memory2 and a 62GB solid state drive3 - plenty
of horsepower for enjoying rich Internet and multimedia content. With the libretto W100,
users can take advantage of all the Windows applications they commonly use, including
productivity apps like Microsoft Office and video chat like Skype™. Built-in connectivity
features, including 802.11b/g/n4 and Bluetooth®5 give users the flexibility to connect from
any hotspot or pair the device with their favorite wireless accessories, such as a mouse,
headphones and more.
Innovative Design for Multi-tasking on the Go
With an ultra-portable weight of just 1.8 pounds6, the libretto W100 is designed to deliver a
rich Internet experience, multimedia playback and the freedom to multi-task - just like a
standard laptop - but with the advantage of two seven-inch diagonal touch screens7 to work,
watch and play on. The multi-touch screens can work independently or together, giving users
the flexibility to decide how they want to use them. Surf the Web on one screen while
checking e-mail on the other, view two documents simultaneously or view a webpage across
both screens. A built-in 3D accelerometer allows the libretto W100 to rotate into portrait or
landscape modes, making the device look and feel more like a book, newspaper or magazine.
Designed for portability, the libretto W100 features a compact and durable clamshell design
with a brushed metallic finish. The traditional clamshell design allows the device to fold up
for easier portability, while protecting the screens from breaks and scratches. Measuring a
mere 4.84 inches by 7.95 inches when closed, the device fits easily into almost any bag or
jacket pocket.
"Since producing the first Intel 286-based clamshell laptop 25 years ago, Toshiba has
continued to take a leadership role in bringing new mobile computing technologies to
market," said Tim Bajarin, president of Creative Strategies. "This new libretto is yet another
showcase of the company's technological laptop prowess – they have their minds on the
future and a unique, creative view on delivering innovations and form factors that provide a
full computing experience in very small packages."
Simplified Navigation with Premium Toshiba Apps
The libretto W100 features six virtual keyboard modes plus a virtual touchpad. The keyboards
feature haptic technology, providing sensory feedback when the keys are selected, making
typing fast, accurate and easy. Keyboard modes include simple, full, numeric 10-key and split
thumb mode keyboard styles, providing users with options to fit their own personal style or
To make navigation as easy as possible, the libretto W100 includes several premium Toshiba
apps that enhance the computing experience.
Toshiba Bulletin Board gives users greater personalization of their desktops with fast
access to daily activities, tasks and projects, plus the ability to drag and drop photos,
videos, links, documents and application shortcuts into one place.
Toshiba ReelTime™ helps users easily find files based on when they were opened with
a simple visual history. With the flick of a finger, quickly scroll through automatically
generated previews of documents, photos, videos and more, filter by file type or use
the calendar to go back weeks or months.
File Browser makes it easier to access file folders and applications.
Quick access to the apps and keyboards are easily accessible via on-screen icons.
Features available on the Toshiba libretto W100 include:
• Dual 7.0-inch diagonal multi-touch displays7 (1024 x 600)
• 6-mode virtual keyboard with haptic response
• Windows® 7 Home Premium operating system
• Intel® Pentium® U5400 processor1 (1.2GHz)
• 2GB DDR3 memory2
• 62GB Solid State Drive3
• 1.0 megapixel HD Webcam with Toshiba Face Recognition
• 802.11 b/g/n wireless4
• Bluetooth 2.1+EDR5
• MicroSD card slot
• One USB 2.0 port
• TOSHIBA Bulletin Board, ReelTime™ and PC Health Monitor software
• 8-cell battery
• 7.95" (W) x 4.84"(D) x 1.2"(H)
• 1.8 lbs.6
Availability
A limited number of the libretto W100 concept PC will be available for purchase later this
summer from select retailers and direct from Toshiba at toshibadirect.com.